A&P 4Q loss widens

MONTVALE, N.J. A&P reported a loss from continuing operations of $83.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $44.6 million for the same period last year.

Sales for the fourth quarter were $2.3 billion, compared with $2.2 billion in the prior year’s fourth quarter. Comparable-store sales decreased 1.3% during the comparable 13-week period.

Christian Haub, executive chairman of the board, said, “The current challenging economic environment has clearly impacted our business, as it has all in our industry. That being said, A&P has continued to make progress on many fronts and we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the future of our company, including good performance in our Fresh, Gourmet and Discount businesses and the realization of target synergies from the Pathmark acquisition.

“We are also confident that, similar to the improvements we have accomplished in the core A&P business, the initiatives we have recently enacted will improve the overall Pathmark business.